Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Fire Department Badge Ceremony topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Fall River swears in seven probationary firefighters, issues badges at City Hall
Summary
Seven probationary firefighters received badges and were sworn in at a ceremony in the Fall River Room at City Hall. The event included prayers, remarks from city leaders and brief remarks noting the recent death of a longtime firefighter.
Barrett Castro, administrative assistant to the Fall River Fire Department, opened a badge-pinning and swearing-in ceremony at the Fall River Room in City Hall, saying, "It's a privilege to welcome you all to this wonderful occasion as we officially issue badges to 7 probationary firefighters who are about to embark on 1 of the most challenging yet rewarding careers in public service."
Seven recruits — Christian Boucher, Jose Canario, Cliff Nepovich, Curtis Matus, Christopher Willette, Elizabeth Tobias and Kyle Yance — were presented badges by Fire Chief Bacon and then sworn in. Mayor Coogan administered the oath and urged the new firefighters to focus on helping residents, saying, "I simply ask that when you're out representing the city of Fall River, and every time you're on a shift, and every time you're on a duty, think help, think assist, and help as many people as you can."
Father Mike Racine, chaplain of the fire department, opened the ceremony with prayer and blessing for the new members, telling the recruits, "We gather today on this wonderful day for the fire department of Fall River." Father Rob Nemkovich, chaplain with the Fall River Police Department, offered a prayer that included a moment to honor a recently deceased firefighter: "First, we pause to honor the lives of firefighter Scott Casey, and all in our Fall River Fire Department who have gone before us giving faithful and dedicated service."
Chief Bacon addressed the recruits directly and emphasized continued training and teamwork: "And I'll challenge you today to learn. This is an end and a beginning." He reminded them that the department is a family and thanked those who attended. Staff noted that one recruit, Christopher Willette, is completing training at the Brockton Firefighting Academy and has about three weeks remaining in that program but accepted his badge at the ceremony.
The ceremony included photo opportunities and invited family and colleagues to celebrate the new probationary firefighters. City Councilor Andrew Raposo was acknowledged in attendance. The event concluded with final remarks of thanks and a brief closing: "Stay safe, and have a wonderful day."
